A tribute to the genius of Cantinflas on his 100th

He was such an iconic figure in Mexican life that he inspired a Spanish verb: to cantinflear, to talk and talk without saying anything and to comedic effect.

Mario Moreno, the actor and comedic genius known as Cantinflas, was celebrated last week on the 100th anniversary of his birth. In his own country, scores of events are planned, including retrospectives of his work. In San Antonio, el Instituto Cultural de México screened the movie that proved to be his breakout role, “Ahí Está el Detalle.”

Latinos, especially those of the baby-boom generation, will remember his on-screen presence. He made more than 50 films, including the English-language “Around the World in 80 Days.” He played David Niven’s valet and won a Golden Globe.

As a child, I saw several Cantinflas movies at the Alameda Theater. I didn’t understand everything he said, but his mannerisms were hilarious. The crowds always roared with laughter, and the actor graced that historic stage many times.

Moreno, with his trademark barely-there moustache (funny all on its own), always played the lovable vagabond whose pants were belted way too low on his small frame. That, too, was funny. But he was also a figure of Mexico’s poor and the wit they must muster to survive.

His genius was the use of language to confuse and confound, especially the rich and powerful, who were always his victims. He stole every scene he was ever in.

A tribute on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” said his films were “touchstones like ‘the way that ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is in the United States.”

An Associated Press story noted that Cantinflas could always be counted on “to show up unexpected, ill-dressed and ill-advised but full of homely wisdom.”

“He has been celebrated as a touchstone of Mexican national identity, fondly remembered for his convoluted doublespeak and clever underdog persona he portrayed for nearly six decades” before his death, the story said.

A biopic has been in the works since last year. The title role will be played by Spanish actor Oscar Jaenada, who beat out actors John Leguizamo and Diego Luna. News reports have said the movie is to be released this year. We can look forward to that tribute.

But the best tribute that Moreno ever got came from a fellow comedic icon: Charlie Chaplin.